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Santa Monica Considers Ban on Male Circumcision
Photo of anti-circumcision booth taken in 2008 by Lushbunny via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
Following in the footsteps of our neighbors in San Francisco, the city of Santa Monica may consider a ban on male circumcision of minors, reports the Jewish Journal . A petition to gather signatures was filed with the city of Santa Monica on May 19. It says that circumcision would be outlawed in males under the age of 18, with no exception for religion, but with an exception for the health of the baby. The notice of intent attached to the petition states that "genital mutilation constitutes a major health risk, violates human rights and has lifelong physical and psychological effects."
The Journal notes that the language in the petition is identical to the language used in the San Francisco motion which was approved for the November ballot on May 17.
Unlike female genital mutilation, male circumcision has in fact been shown to have some health benefits. The Huffington Post reports:
International health organizations have promoted circumcision as an important strategy for reducing the spread of the AIDS virus. That's based on studies that showed it can prevent AIDS among heterosexual men in Africa.
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If the measure were to gain enough signatures to go on the ballot in Santa Monica, the practice would become a misdemeanor, with a penalty of up to $1,000 and one year in jail.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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